Aus2018.com

SYDNEY
18 May 2008

Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO, Ben Buckley, announced today that Australia has submitted a bid to host the 2009 and 2010 FIFA Club World Cup.

The FIFA Club World Cup comprises the champion club from each FIFA Confederation. Last year's winner was AC Milan with Argentina's Boca Juniors second and Urawa Red Diamonds from Japan, placed third.

"It's a very exciting competition, with the best team from each of the six FIFA Confederations and a team from the host nation participating," Buckley said.

Australia's rivals for the Club World Cup are Japan and the United Arab Emirates, who Buckley also described as "very strong contenders".

"Japan has hosted the tournament for the past four years and will again in 2008. They have a proven track record in hosting this as well as co-hosting the FIFA World Cup.

"The United Arab Emirates, whose bid is based around Abu Dhabi, has first class facilities and resources to put towards a tournament of this nature."

Buckley said that it is a deliberate strategy of FFA to express an interest in hosting major football events.

"We want to be a strong and positive contributor to the world of football in as many ways as possible.

"Next week's FIFA Congress is part of that strategy, as is the 2015 Asian Cup, bidding for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and also the 2009 and 2010 Club World Cup."

A decision will be made on who will host the 2009 and 2010 FIFA Club World Cup when the FIFA Executive meets in Sydney next week, ahead of the 58th FIFA Congress.